Charlton Athletic co-owner Charlie Methven recalls having difficulties with prospective Reading buyer William Storey during his time as the Chief Executive of Sunderland.
Last week, The Telegraph revealed that Storey is set to complete a £50 million outright takeover of the Royals within a time span of six weeks, subject to passing the Football League’s fit and proper owners’ test. Storey is leading a consortium of wealthy investors to acquire the Berkshire club from the hands of Chinese businessman Dai Yongge.
Nevertheless, The Athletic (via Football League World) reported on Thursday that it is unclear what role the Rich Energy CEO would play if the takeover is completed, meaning it is too early to tell whether Storey will be subjected to the EFL’s ownership test.
Storey, an ex-sponsor for Formula 1 team Haas, attempted to purchase both Sunderland and Coventry City several years ago, according to journalist Courtney Friday, but could finally get his hands on a League One side at the third time of asking.
The millionaire’s failed procurement of the Black Cats was confirmed by Charlie Methven, Sunderland’s former co-owner, who disclosed how difficult it was to deal with the potential future Reading chief.
Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, Methven even mentioned ‘giggling’ with Storey’s antics after the process finished:
“That direct approach to the fanbase caused us some issues because when somebody comes along and says it is feasible, possible and should be done to sign a bunch of Premier League players to a League One club, it makes life quite difficult for the current incumbent, who knows that it is a total impossibility, but you’re lacking a counter-factual so you can’t prove that it is an impossibility.
“In the meantime, we were already in discussions with a very credible owner, the former owners of Marseille, the Louis-Dreyfus family. While perhaps not having William Storey’s extravagant views on the valuation of the club, we were pretty sure they would have the money and were going to pass the EFL test.
“We progressed with that deal and eventually ended up having a bit of a giggle with the whole Storey episode,” he continued.
When you’re in the middle of it, it can be a very time-consuming exercise because you have journalists and fan groups calling you all the time asking about this very extrovert figure and why you’re not accepting his offer. That can be a tricky thing to deal with and take up a lot of time.”
Writer’s View
Like with his attempted acquisition of Sunderland, Storey has already been quite vocal in the press and on social media about the prospect of purchasing Reading which may have rumbled some feathers in the fanbase.
At least Storey’s public presence has remained consistent with Methven’s recollection of dealing with the 45-year-old a few years back.
